When you’re feeling sick with a cold or flu, there’s not much you can do besides rest, drink water, and get acquainted with your couch. Beyond the doctor’s orders, one area you do have control over is what you’re putting into your body.
Depending on what’s ailing you, you can combat your illness with healthy, nutritious foods that will power your body to heal.
If you’re struggling to get to the store - or don’t want to infect others - FreshDirectis the way to get high-quality in-season picks, local goods, chef-prepared meals, and your favorite brands delivered right to your home. Simply click-click-click as you shop online, pick your time slot for delivery, and voilà there you have it!
Here are the best ingredients for when you’re feeling under the weather:
Garlic
Garlic has not only been found to reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms but also as a treatment for preventing them in the first place. Stop colds and vampires in their tracks!
Cooking garlic can minimize some of the healing properties in the allicin compound, so chop and let stand for 10 minutes before cooking.
Try hummus with grated garlic, kale with sauteed garlic, or garlic confit smashed on toast.
Turmeric
This inflammation-fighting wonder is fantastic for long-term health conditions like arthritis and joint pain as well as colds and flus. The compound, curcumin, boosts antioxidants that support your immune system.
Try Golden Milk, turmeric-spiced chicken, or start with a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs.
Salmon
Packed with vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, you might as well skip your multivitamin (but don’t). Such an easy protein to cook, this is great when you want to spend as little time cooking as possible.
Try pre-made salmon burgers or baking a salmon in the oven with lemon, butter-garlic or teriyaki sauce for flavor.
Chicken Broth
Chicken noodle soup is a classic for a reason! The combination of chicken and noodles with a steamy flavorful broth simply gets the job done.
The broth’s protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins plus electrolytes in the sodium and the comforting warmth for chills can feel like the perfect remedy.
Try chicken noodle soup or plain chicken bone broth with or without green onions and black pepper.
Honey
For coughs and colds, honey’s so good. 14 studies conclude that honey is more effective in relieving cold and flu-like symptoms than typical over-the-counter remedies and antibiotics.
Try a spoonful of honey by itself or in your hot tea, oatmeal, or on toast with peanut butter.
Ginger
When paired with honey, ginger’s antiviral properties flourish. Ginger is known to prevent colds and sore throats and reduce congestion and inflammation.
Try raw ginger with hot tea, or even in capsule form if you’re not a fan!
Spicy Peppers
Although they don’t have proven healing properties, hot peppers can seriously clear out your sinuses if you’re feeling stuffed up! The Capsaicin compound, in moderate doses, may also support gut health.
Try jalapenos on tacos, habaneros on chili, or lemon cayenne water for hydration.
Now that you’ve got your ingredient list - and some possible recipes - head on over to FreshDirect. They have expertly-curated seasonal items and fantastic deals to round out your cart. Your order will be prepared at their state-of-the-art facility and shipped right to your door.
Also, if you’re feeling sick, you do not want to overexert yourself. 7-9 hours of sleep a night is maybe even more important than what you’re eating. So, cross one thing off your to-do list and rest easy.
